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Cappadocia & Istanbul

Join Ryan & Malaka Hilton as they take flight on an intimate private aircraft en route to Turkey.

The aircraft will depart from Sarasota, Florida for a direct non-stop flight to Cappadocia, Turkey. Enjoy time exploring Cappadocia – a semi-arid region in central Turkey that is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme and more before boarding our private plane to the capital city, Istanbul. Upon arrival into Istanbul, the sights & sounds of this magical city that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait will delight the senses.

Prepare to be overwhelmed with the history and culture of Turkey, the “world’s largest museum” with the most fun and varied street food culture. Descend down into the labyrinthine and complex underground cities of Cappadocia and dive into the amazing spectrums of flavors in regional cuisine while experiencing the famed Turkish hospitality.

Call 1.888.722.3401 for most accurate pricing & availability (scroll down for journey details)

Arrive for Departure – Arrive into Sarasota/Tampa/Ft. Myers where you will be greeted and transferred by road to a downtown Sarasota luxury hotel for check-in. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

Sarasota, FL

Enjoy Sarasota at your leisure. Golf, tennis, spa, beach, guided off-shore and in-shore fishing, guided marine based wildlife tours and additional local experiences are available to guests to enjoy.

Departure – Mid-morning private road transfer to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport for private check-in, dedicated TSA screening and boarding the private aircraft.

Late morning, we depart from Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A. for the direct non-stop flight to Kayseri, Turkey. Overnight in your most comfortable surroundings aboard our private aircraft.

Arrival – After arriving into Kayseri, meet your private driver who will take you on a scenic drive to Cappadocia for approximately 1 hour to the Museum Hotel.

Goreme National Park

Day 1 in Turkey –  Today you will enjoy a full day of private sightseeing, inclusive of lunch at a local restaurant

Highlights include:

  • Goreme Open air museum
  • Kaymakli underground city
  • Zelve Valley
  • Devrent Valley
  • Pasabag Valley

Devrent Valley is one magical corner in the countless panoramic valleys of Cappadocia, here is an unbelievable landscape with its rock formations and savage feeling; one of the best introductions to understanding the formation of fairy chimneys.

Devrent Valley

Enjoy sightseeing in Pasabag Valley where the formation of “fairy chimneys” can be best observed. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations; a spectacular scene.

You will visit Zelve Open Air Museum, where three valuable valleys meet. This glorious natural beauty consists of numerous pointed and large fairy chimneys, incredible cave town, honeycombed structures, religious and secular chambers.

At the end of your visits, you will continue to your hotel.

Museum Hotel

‘Unique…’ There is no other word that better describes Museum Hotel. Situated in a very special geographic region in Cappadocia, Museum Hotel has been designed and created from a distinctive combination of the land and historical features and ruins, some intact and some beautifully restored to their original glory. The hotel features 30 rooms & suites—each of them exceptional in their own inimitable way. No room can be alike, with each bringing its own special ambiance, contributing to Museum Hotel’s evident character and charm.

‘Cave’ Guest Rooms

Guest Bathroom

Suite Terrace

Museum Hotel Pool

Day 2 – *OPTIONAL* – Early in the morning (exact pick-up time will be advised the night before), you will wake-up to get ready for your ballooning experience. You will float over Cappadocia and see the fantastic landscape, going down into the valleys. It is an unforgettable experience!

After your tour, you will return to your hotel for breakfast.

After your breakfast, at 9:30am meet your professional guide at the hotel lobby for your private full day of sightseeing.

You will start your day visiting the picturesque village of Mustafapasa, which is a perfectly preserved Greek village in the heart of Anatolia. The former Greek inhabitants left the town in 1923 during the population exchange between Turkey and Greece. The houses exhibit a wealth of carved stonework, wall paintings, and many reminders of their former inhabitants. There will be free time to explore the town.

Next, visit the visit the excavations at the Sobesos Ancient City. The earliest evidence of settlement dates from the neo- Roman period and excavations have revealed that the city was occupied in the Byzantine period. Of particular interest are the Roman Bathhouse with an impressive and intact underfloor heating structure, and a covered walkway leading visitors around the intricate mosaics.

Lunch is suggested at Old Greek House Restaurant serving local cuisine in an old mansion.

Visit pretty town of Avanos, which has long been a center for pottery artisans as it lies on the banks of the Red River where clay supplies are abundant. Enjoy a visit to a pottery workshop to meet the artisans and see their collections displayed in a underground cave complex.

At the end of your tour, you will return to your hotel.

Mustafapasa Village

Avanos

Day 3 – This morning, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for our private flight to Izmir airport. Upon arrival into Izmir, you will be met by your professional guides who will drive you to Ephesus

Ephesus

En route to your hotel, You will visit Ephesus, famous throughout the ancient world for its Temple of Artemis. You will first visit Odeon Theatre that had double function in use. First it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boulea or the Senate. The second fuction was the Odeum as a concert hall for the performances. Then, view the Hadrian Temple, It was dedicated in the beginning of the 2nd century AD to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus but greatly reconstructed in the 4th century. This impressive Corinthian style temple has beautiful reliefs on the porch. According to the belief of Ephesians, the Medusa head on the porch, would protect the city from its enemies.

Proceed to Celsus Library, the library is the best preserved structure of its kind. The inscription on the side of the building’s front staircase says that the library was build by Julius, in his father honour, after his death. His father, Celsus was the Roman governor of Asia Minor early in the 2nd century AD. Celsus Library is probably the most distinctive building commonly associated with Ephesus.

You will visit the newly excavated spectacular Terrace Houses (Villas) located on top of the hill within the City of Ephesus. They were inhabited by wealthy Ephesians, and are finely decorated with mosaics and frescos. In the year 1960, the excavation process was started. The excavated frescoes parts as well as the mosaics that were successfully uncovered were displayed into a museum to put all these under protection and for restoration reasons. In later years, it came to a point, the terraced houses were displayed for the public.  The restoration of the houses is an ongoing process and every year there is something new to admire there

The Great Theatre which is the biggest ancient theater in Turkey, dates back to the Hellenistic period. In the 1st century AD it was successfully reconstructed, expanded by the Romans until it reached the seating capacity of 25.000 people; 24.000 seats and 1000 standing places. Marble Road, runs between the Library of Celsus and the theater and is a part of the sacred walk way.

Lunch recommended at Selçuk Koftecisi serving local meatballs accompanied by salad, rice and onions

You will visit the Ephesus Museum. Many of the artifacts displayed here were found in Ephesus and other ancient sites in the region. Highlights include a few artifacts from Ephesus‘s great Temple of Artemis (the Artemision), and finds from some of the many other significant ancient Hellenic, Hellenistic and Roman cities in the region, the fresco of Socrates, statues and heads of Eros, crosses, coins and the works of the 1st century AD such as glass trays and theatrical masks, and much more.

At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel.

Day 4 – Today the group will be transferred to Izmir for our private flight into the dynamic city of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Upon arrival into Istanbul, you will be transferred for check-in at The Four Seasons Hotel on the Bosphorus.

This afternoon, enjoy lunch on own at your hotel followed by a half day city tour to introduce you to the sights and sounds of Istanbul.

Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Proudly standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus – the storied strait that links Europe and Asia – the lovingly restored, 19th-century Ottoman palace brings together Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary accommodations. Relax in one of the traditional hammams, spend an afternoon lounging around the outdoor pool, and savour Anatolian delicacies as you admire the soaring minarets and towers of the city’s inimitable waterfront skyline.

Guest Room

Guest Bathroom

“The Club” at the Four Seasons Istanbul

Aqua Restaurant

1:30 pm – You will meet your professional guide to depart on your private full-day of sightseeing.

Hagia Sophia is mostly known as one of the most valuable and fascinating structures in the world of art and architecture. It deserves to enter to the collection of the rare works by challenging to the time. The walls of this beautiful piece of architecture are decorated with gorgeous mosaics. UNESCO accepts Hagia Sophia as The World Heritage because of architectural beauty.

You will visit the magnificient Topkapi Palace which was completed between 1465 and 1478. The Topkap Palace Museum is notable not only for its architecture and collections but also for the history and culture of the Ottoman Empire that it recalls. Opulent, decadent and steeped in history, it offers visitors a chance to get to know the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire rather more intimately.

Blue Mosque, this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The blue Iznik Tiles covering the walls have given the mosque its popular name, Blue Mosque. Make sure you will spend some time in silence inside the magnificent mosque to admire its prayerful atmosphere and superb blue tiles.  * It is advised to dress respectfully when visiting, although scarfs and outer garments are given at the door if necessary.

At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Topkapı Palace

St. Sophia | Hagia Sophia

Blue Mosque

6:30 PM – You will embark from your hotel’s pier to enjoy a private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and the life blood of Istanbul. Passing along the shores of the Bosphorus you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul’s elite. Enjoy soft drinks on the motor yacht and see a different perspective of Istanbul, described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as “the city of the world’s desire”. Cruise takes app. 1½ hours.

8:00 pm Disembark at Kurucesme Pier where you will be transferred to Sunset Restaurant

Dinner will be served at Sunset Grill & Bar. Located on a hill below Ulus Park, Sunset serves international cuisine and a rich sushi selection against a view of the Bosphorus.

After dinner, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Day 5 – You will meet your professional guide for your private full-day of sightseeing

Suleymaniye Mosque, or better known as the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, was built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificient, also known as the Legislator. The Süleymaniye crowns one of Istanbul’s seven hills and dominates the Golden Horn, providing a landmark for the entire city. The mosque is the largest mosque of Istanbul.

The historical Egyptian / Spice Bazaar is a colorful and mystical covered spice market lined with spice stalls in Eminonu coast, near the Yeni Mosque, in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul. Spices, dried fruits, cheeses, sausages, jams, nuts and seeds, Turkish delight and other edibles fill most of the shops. You are able to find about every kind of herbs and spices at the market, and as well as ingredients for cooking, Turkish delight and Turkish coffee.

Lunch is suggested at Hamdi Restaurant, located on the Golden Horn. You can taste traditional Turkish kebabs.

Following lunch, visit the Grand Bazaar. Before arrival to the Grand Bazaar you will have an opportunity to learn about the art of carpet weaving. One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar dates from the 15th century. The world famous handmade carpets and kilims of Turkey, some of the most beautiful examples of Turkish silver art, souvenirs and decorations made of copper and bronze and high quality ceramics, onyx, and leather goods are for sale.

Istanbul Spice Bazaar

At the end of your day, you will return to your hotel. Dinner is on own tonight.

Day 6 – You will meet your professional guide in the hotel lobby for your private half-day of sightseeing.

You will visit the Imperial Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in the mid-19th century by Sultan Abdulmecit I. The Palace is located along the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait. It is an ostentatious blend architectural styles including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical and modern Ottoman, dripping in luxury.

This afternoon, your private driver will transfer you to a restaurant of your choosing to enjoy lunch!

Tonight your private driver will transfer you to a restaurant to enjoy a final special evening dining event in Istanbul with the group.

Istanbul at night

Departure – Check-out of your hotel, you will meet your ATI representative at the hotel lobby and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home or onward to the next destination!

Call Jolene DiRocco at 941-951-1801 at extension 106 now to reserve your space on this unique journey today!  You may e-mail at jolene@admiraltravel.com.

Pricing to be determined.

Once we meet our minimum numbers in order for this trip to operate we will discuss the return back to SRQ.

  • $50 per person booking fee will apply
  • 25% deposit due to secure the upgrades
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended.  Please ask your advisor for details.
  • OPTIONAL: Four Seasons Bosphorus room upgrades
  • Upgrades subject to availability
  • For the optional hot air balloon experience – it is 1 hr 15 min (vs 1 hour)

Included Services:

  • One way private flight from SRQ – Turkey as well as flights between Cappadocia and Istanbul
  • Private arrival and departure transfers with baggage handling.
  • Accommodation at the Four Seasons Bosphorus in a Deluxe Room, Museum Hotel in a Deluxe Suite
  • Listed days of private sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
  • Officially Licensed professional tour guide in English language throughout the tour program
  • Entrance fees to all museums, parks, and historic sites as marked on the itinerary
  • Bottled water provided throughout the tour.
  • Taxes.

Excluded Services:

  • OPTIONAL: Hot Air Ballooning Experience on Small Group (8) Balloon for 1 hour.
  • Gratuities to drivers and guides
  • Recommended lunches & dinners at own expense
  • Personal expenses of the guests

Note: Turkish Visas are required for travel. You can get it online through the following link with just 3 easy steps:

PLEASE NOTE: 

Admiral Travel (ATI) reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a Founders Journey (FJ) departure. ATI reserves the right to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip. ATI reserves the right to cancel the reservation/booking at any time during the pre-trip planning process should the potential traveler become combative or disruptive/rude to any member of the ATI team or other travelers. ATI does not need to refund in any scenario outlined but will do its very best to find a replacement to minimize costs. ATI has a strict policy to ensure the cordial and congenial relationship of all travelers to ensure a seamless and memorable experience.

  • All payments made to or on behalf of Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
  • Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
  • Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
  • Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
  • A hosted dinner will be offered during one night of the trip with the Hiltons.
  • On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
  • Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
  • Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
  • Minimum numbers must be met in order for the Hiltons to host the journey.
  • The Hiltons reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.